Ex-captain Jon DiSalvatore talks about leaving the Aeros

For the past three seasons, the Aeros have been led by a player who epitomizes what a captain should be in forward Jon DiSalvatore. In that span, DiSalvatore recorded 174 points on 77 goals and 97 assists and won over the hearts of Aeros fans, but on Monday he signed as a free agent with the Hershey Bears along with veteran forward Jeff Taffe. Hershey was a prime destination for DiSalvatore due to the franchise’s storied history and being able to consistently compete for the Calder Cup every season.

“Just with the free-agent market and we got to come in and weigh offers, and Hershey is a tremendous opportunity with that rink and that franchise and being able to compete for the Calder Cup,” DiSalvatore said.

Hershey has led the AHL in attendance since 2006 and is the NHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The Bears also will host this season’s outdoor AHL game.

DiSalvatore gained many fond memories playing for the Aeros. He represented the team in last year’s All-Star game and was a pivotal part in the Aeros trip to the Calder Cup finals in 2011, which was his favorite moment in an Aeros sweater.

“With the Calder Cup finals, going to Game 6 was great,” DiSalvatore said. “Personally, scoring in Game 7 against Hamilton in Western Conference finals (was great). But just playing in the finals and being so close to that group of guys and our fan support was great, just as it was for the three years I was here.”

The Minnesota Wild/Aeros organization concentrated their focus on signing youth and NHL prospects, so the 31-year-old gritty winger saw free agency as a chance to start a new chapter.

“We were looking at this as more of an opportunity,” DiSalvatore said. “But I will miss everything Houston has given me past three years.”